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Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Ditch the Flip-Flops for TUKZ

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg aside, for many men, the days
of wearing hoodies and flip-flops to work are over.After a decade of increasingly casual office dress
requirements (inspired by Zuckerberg’s 1990s Silicon Valley predecessors), CEOs
began demanding a more polished look beginning with the 2001 recession. By 2002,
more formal dress codes had been reinstated by 19 percent of companies with more
than $500 million in revenues, according to a Men’s Apparel Alliance
survey.“The 2001 recession gave Americans a taste of the tougher
job market,” says Darnell Jones, a business professional and creator of TUKZ
Undergarments for men, which have clasps that ensure shirts stay tucked.“Then along came the Great Recession in December 2007 and,
with it, the layoffs and high unemployment we’re still experiencing. Today, if
you want to get hired and if you want to get promoted, you’ve got to look like
you mean business.”Jones notes that it’s not just corporate leaders who want a
more professional-looking workforce. In a 2012 survey by Salary.com, nearly 25
percent of respondents said their workplace’s dress code is too lenient. Less
than 10 percent said theirs was too strict.“Right or wrong, how much care you take – or don’t take –
with your appearance communicates a lot about you,” Jones says. “If you take
pride in how you look, you probably take pride in the work you do. If your
outfits are thrown-together or dated, you may be reckless with details and not
up on the latest in your profession.”If you’re ready to give up your office hoodie, but aren’t
sure what to replace it with, Jones offers these tips:

• Get a navy blue or gray blazer or suit
coat: Solid colors are best, although pinstripes are fine, too. Get the
best material you can afford. If wearing a jacket all day doesn’t fit with your
workplace vibe, keep one in your office or cubicle to have handy just in case.
Whether it’s a surprise visit from a client or an unexpected meeting with the
CEO, slipping on a jacket is an easy way to make a good impression.• Watch your feet: Invest in a good pair of
lace-up shoes -- brown, black or, better yet, both. (The color should complement
your trousers and match your belt.) Avoid square-toed shoes -- they’re dated. Be
sure your shoes are polished, and replace the heels when they get run down,
particularly if you’re going on a job interview or attending an important
meeting. Of course, you’ll need socks, too. They should coordinate with the
color of your trousers – and with each other!• Avoid the peacock effect: Your shirt
should be a solid color – no patterns and no hot pinks. Be sure it’s pressed. An
undershirt is a must; it helps prevent unsightly perspiration stains and
unwanted views of underlying body parts. If you’re not wearing a tie and leaving
the top button or two undone, make sure the T-shirt collar is not visible at
your throat. If you’re wearing a coat, about a half-inch of shirt cuff should be
visible at your wrist.• Flatter your face with a V-neck: A
good-quality gray, V-neck pullover sweater worn over a blue dress shirt is a
great look for business casual. The bottom of the sweater should stop at your
belt line.

“You’ll be amazed at how much more seriously people take you
when you look the part,” Jones says.“The best thing is, dressing well makes you stand taller and
feel more confident. That’s really a winning look.”

About Darnell
Jones

Darnell Jones is the founder and president of TUKZ
Undergarments, LLC, specializing in a unique functionality that prevents shirts
from becoming un-tucked. He earned his bachelor’s in health with an emphasis in
management at Mesa State College in Grand Junction, Colo. Jones’ vision is for
TUKZ Underwear to reside in every household to improve appearance and build
confidence in men and women of all ages. He currently serves as an investor and
a Region Manager for Olive Medical Corp.

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Work in the fashion industry and develop fashion websites as a hobby. My primary website is called Apparel Search and can be found at ApparelSearch.com If you work in the clothing industry you are welcome to visit the site to learn more about clothes, shoes, handbags, etc. The site discusses topics relevant to apparel manufacturing, merchandising & design, wholesale distribution, retail, fashion marketing, etc.